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With the gravitas normally reserved for the announcement of a royal pregnancy, the Pantone Color Institute has announced the color of 2013. All rise, for “emerald green” as just seen on the Duchess of Cambridge.

It is the hippest color since… well since last year’s “tangerine tango,” which did not translate well to makeup. So thank heavens emerald green does—it looks just great on all skin tones, especially redheads. But you need to know one thing: how to wear the Pantone 2013 Color of the Year in the last few weeks of the year without looking like the Grinch.

So if we start at the very beginning, the base is key when wearing a strong color. You don’t want anything too heavy so try a foundation that blends naturally such as Aerin Fresh Skin Compact Foundation($48). Then use a powder such as Daniel Sandler Invisible Blotting Powderthat has a wonderfully translucent quality (£19.50, ships worldwide for free). Your eyelids need to be primed for a really clean pallet: I am a huge fan of By Terry Hyaluronic Eye Primer ($47) that will stop any moisture from destroying your hard-earned green goddess appearance and smooths over any crepiness that can be so aging.

Now onto the main action: the key is to find a great color and then apply lightly and cautiously. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Shimmering Emerald ($18.50) has a deep, metallic quality to it. Start by applying a small line as close to the eyelashes as possible. Then build it up, gradually blending thoroughly each time. If you are not used to wearing bold colors on your eyes, try a simple wash of CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadowsin Kaboom Kelly ($3.19), available at drug stores); it’s a slightly brighter shade and will look best on lighter skin. Or if you dare, try Make Up For Ever Pure Pigmentin Emerald Green ($20) for a real pop of color. The general rule is that the lighter the skin, the lighter the shade of green should be. Now emerald green is particularly fetching on redheads but over-do the intensity at your peril or it will wear you, rather than you wearing it. For those heading cautiously, leave the eyeshadow behind and try Sephora’s cute slightly glittery green mascara, in Mystic Teal ($13); it looks great applied to the tips of your eyelashes over your regular color.

But for the “Bold and the Beautiful” on-top, try Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Antique Jade ($20) again as close to the eyelid or on its own without the eye-shadow. But as for under the bottom eyelashes, leave that pencil alone and if you want to frame those eyes try a brown. Some folks like a red lipstick; but in my view if you want to look like a Christmas tree, go ahead. I think it is best to follow the rules of clothes: if you have the cleavage out, put the legs away and vice versa. However a light coral will make the eyes pop with color; try Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural in N41 ($21) for a modern take on what is seen as a rather old-fashioned shade.

So Kermit, Shrek, and the Grinch avoided, have fun with it. And be one step ahead for 2013.